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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to enjoy eating alone in restaurants?

47 replies

turnandfacethenamechange · 18/02/2020 21:06

I remembered a thread today about the lady who got stood up by a pal and was agonising about going to a smart restaurant alone. (MN said definitely go!)

AIBU to think it's actually quite lovely having a meal out alone sometimes? I've just had a very nice vegan pizza and glass of red wine and taken my time over it. Have listened to my audiobook and chatted to the waiter and looked out at the rain. Am not on business in a foreign city or in airport etc. am just near my house. I just didn't have anything to do tonight. In my twenties I think I'd have thought it was extremely uncool to eat alone out (the "Billy no mates" thing from school still in mind) but now am in 30s it feels quite indulgent!

AIBU/antisocial Grin

OP posts:
peacebypeace · 18/02/2020 21:08

YANBU. I love doing it :)

ssd · 18/02/2020 21:09

Good on you. I'm too self conscious to eat alone, apart from maccy ds.

TulipCat · 18/02/2020 21:11

Crack on! No reason you have to have someone with you.

Original poster
turnandfacethenamechange · 18/02/2020 21:13

I'm too self conscious to eat alone

I used to think this, except for Yo Sushi for some reason bit it's actually really indulgent and nice. Feels quite grown up!

OP posts:
RoomR0613 · 18/02/2020 21:13

I love it and always have done, but I enjoy eating out generally.

Other people can be weird about it though, but that's their problem.

Topseyt · 18/02/2020 21:14

I think I would really enjoy it. I would read my book or browse anything I fancied on my phone without having to make conversation with anyone if I didn't want to.

attatiti · 18/02/2020 21:14

I like it too. It’s very relaxing to not have to make conversation. And it feels like more of a special treat when it’s something you are doing purely for yourself.

Original poster
turnandfacethenamechange · 18/02/2020 21:16

And it feels like more of a special treat when it’s something you are doing purely for yourself

Exactly!

I have even been known to take a book to a pub garden in the summer and have a cider and read in the sun.

OP posts:
QuestionableMouse · 18/02/2020 21:16

I did it today. So nice! It gives me an hour or so alone which I just don't get lately!

guineapig1 · 18/02/2020 21:17

Yanbu! I love it too - generally I only get the chance when working away but as pp said, so indulgent not to have to talk and to take your time and do as you please

Original poster
turnandfacethenamechange · 18/02/2020 21:18

I've just spotted another lone diner, also chatting to the waiter. Maybe it's because Italians are so friendly Grin

OP posts:
oknowimscared · 18/02/2020 21:21

Take a notepad and pen. They think you’re a critic and you get excellent service 😊

Original poster
turnandfacethenamechange · 18/02/2020 21:26

Haha I've been here many times with DP and pals so I think they'd have rumbled me by now. Luckily they're always lovely to everyone.

OP posts:
Lyricallie · 18/02/2020 21:33

I enjoy it I used to live in London whilst in a long distance relationship so I used to take myself out on date days haha. Wagamamas was always good for it and go sushi. I used to just take my book.

My favourite was going out for breakfast though.

But I'm usually quite confident in myself e.g. never understood the issue with going to the cinema myself.

tobee · 18/02/2020 21:42

I like it! I was very proud of myself managing to take 2 and a half hours eating out on my own last summer!! Grin

dottydaily · 18/02/2020 21:45

it’s a lovely thing to do...I usually bring a book...have not done this in a while..I must do it weekend..thanks for reminder😀

louderthan1 · 18/02/2020 21:47

I took myself out for breakfast today, was great!

Mamato2gorgeousboys · 18/02/2020 21:51

As a mother of two, there is nothing I would enjoy more than a meal totally alone!! I’ve actually started enjoying and looking forward to the odd hospital appointment as I can sit in Costa after for half an hour and then complain loudly about the bloody waiting times when I get home to dh or mil who are watching the dc Wink

Ellapaella · 18/02/2020 21:54

I did this back in October when I was away in Birmingham with work. I had never done it before but went to an Italian restaurant near my hotel and sat and had a two course meal and two glasses of wine. I just sat and browsed mumsnet and had a what's app conversation with some friends - I actually really enjoyed it.
There were several other people in the restaurant also sitting in their own so I didn't feel out of place.

kingkuta · 18/02/2020 22:02

I'd hate it. Eating out is a social thing for me, I think I'd be bored stiff on my own in a restaurant.
Am quite happy having a drink in a bar on my own but sitting having a meal, no.

MelbaToast · 18/02/2020 22:13

I love it. I consider it a romantic date for one, where I get to enjoy my own company. It's especially nice since my job and family life are really busy most of the time.

MelbaToast · 18/02/2020 22:14

I would love to take it a step further and take myself out for a drink in the evening but somehow I struggle with the thought of doing it.

OhShitHappenedToMe · 18/02/2020 22:18

I love it. Also going to the Theatre or to see a film on my own.

lifeisgoodmostofthetime · 18/02/2020 22:18

I do it and love it. Meals, cinema, date night with myself. It's relaxing and I get to do what I like.

superram · 18/02/2020 22:26

I don’t think I’ve ever done it but I would.